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Incident
Policeman Back succumbed to wounds sustained two nights earlier when he interrupted four brothers breaking into a local business. Three were apprehended a few days later. The fourth suspect was apprehended a week later in Sioux City, Iowa. He had a gun shot wound in his left arm from Policeman Back's return fire. He signed a confession stating that he was the one who shot Policeman Back. Two days later he died in a Sioux City hospital from gangrene and lockjaw.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Back served with the De Smet Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the De Smet community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Back.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Arthur is the only officer of De Smet Police Department remembered here.
Arthur is one of 37 officers killed feloniously in SD, 57.8% of the 64 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1932, 1 officer in SD was killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 28 years on record. The heaviest was 2011, with 3.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Arthur was 61. Of the 31 killed feloniously in SD whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 49.5; the middle age was 37.
Arthur was 61. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Arthur was 61. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 21.6% of these deaths in SD, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 32.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at De Smet Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.8% of all 64 deaths in SD, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 10.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
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